Did you know that vehicle batteries can explode? All vehicle batteries produce hydrogen gas, which is highly explosive — remember the Hindenburg disaster?. Even maintenance-free batteries have vents that allow the gas to escape.

When working around batteries, extinguish all smoking materials and avoid all electrical sparks. Sparks can be caused by stray static electricity or when connecting or disconnecting the battery cables. To be safe, always disconnect the negative terminal first and re-connect it last. Never test a battery by shorting it across the terminals.

Batteries also can explode when they are frozen. Do not attempt to jump start a battery if you suspect it is frozen. Instead, remove it from the vehicle, place it on a non-conductive board or mat in a warm room and let it thaw before recharging. Do not thaw it with a torch or open flame.

And always wear safety glasses with side splash protection, as well as protective gloves and clothing when working around batteries.

This feature offers a variety of short tips and facts about apparatus maintenance and testing. Look for it every month. Submissions of 150 words or less are welcome from our readers, subject to editing. Send them to In Service Senior Editor Chris Cavette.